Kyocera Finecam SL400R

CONDITION 9/10

SLIGHT SCRATCHING ON THE SHINY PART OF THE BODY, OTHERWISE PERFECT. THIS CAMERA USES IT'S BATTERY JUICE RATHER QUICKLY. NEEDS TO BE CHARED QUITE OFTEN COMPARED TO OTHER COMPACTS. IN OUR OPINION IT'S WORTH IT FOR THE PICTURES AND IT'S DESIGN.

Kyocera Finecam SL400R is one of those early digital cameras that dared to be different. Launched in the early 2000s, it quickly stood out with its rotating lens mechanism and lightning-fast shooting speeds that surprised reviewers of the time.

THE PICS

THE LOOKS

In silver, it looks unapologetically retro-futuristic. The compact body is shaped more like a gadget from a sci-fi film than a traditional camera, with the lens barrel cleverly swiveling 270° for flexible shooting angles. The matte metallic finish gives it a solid, utilitarian presence, while the minimal faceplate keeps things clean and almost understated.

THE SPECS

This camera uses a 4.0-megapixel CCD sensor with a fixed 38 mm equivalent lens, producing crisp and surprisingly lively images for its era. Its standout feature was the ultra-fast “RTUNE” system, allowing continuous shooting up to 3.3 frames per second — unusually quick for a compact camera in 2003.

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

• Rotating lens module: Lets you shoot from creative angles without contorting your wrist.

• Super-fast burst mode: Famous at launch for its impressive responsiveness.

• Compact, boxy build: Feels like a true early-2000s design object.

THE VERDICT

The Finecam SL400R isn’t just another early digital — it’s a piece of camera history. Its rotating lens and high-speed capture give it an inventive character that still feels fresh today. A little quirky, a little geeky, and undeniably charming.